Can you recommend some classical CD's for me?


I don't have any classical CD's in my collection.
There is so much product out there, I don't know where to start.
I would like preferrably SACD but not totally necessary if the redbook CD is well recorded.
I don't want any vocals.
I am not a big fan of large classical orchestras.
I like classical guitar, I enjoy the cello.
I guess more stringed instrument related, instrumental classical music.
Thanks Glen
gkella
I find this to be a beautiful ,pretty well recorded hybrid SACD,Living stereo,Ravel,Daphnis Et Chloe/,not an SACD,but well recorded is Bach:The Art of Fugue,By Emerson String Quartet!
It all starts with Mozart. I have the entire Telarc collection with Charles Mackerras conducted Mozart symphonies performed by the Prague Chamber Orchestra. Great sound of outstanding performances. I can't imagine not enjoying any of these symphonies. Music simply flowed from Mozart. Once you've come to love Mozart, moving on to Haydn and Beethoven will get you permanently hooked. It's music that remains fresh and vital no matter how often you listen to it. It defines civilization.
Hifiman has an excellent idea. That is a great way to lessen any confusion. Start with the most recognizable names of the classical masters. Listen to one until you are familiar. Only then move to a next, etc. Whichever way you decide, it's sure to be very enjoyable!
Good advice from Hifiman5 and Isochronism about focusing on one composer or performer for awhile but I think it's important to do some survey work first. If I had started with Mozart or Haydn I wouldn't be listening to any classical music today.

What moves you is going to be very personal and specific. The starting point for me was Bach but that's neither a criticism of anyone else's taste nor an endorsement of my own.

If you have a way to stream your Internet connection with any reasonable fidelity to your system, Pandora is a great way to explore and learn what you would enjoy. Set up 'stations' for the best known classical composers and give a thumbs up to the pieces you like as you hear them so that you hear more music that is similar.